Legislative Committee Meetings - October 2026

Lewis County legislative committee meetings, October 28, 2026, considered several procurement and infrastructure matters. Draft resolutions were advanced to the full board for action, including an amendment to the county’s lease with the Development Authority of the North Country for telecommunications equipment space through December 29, 2043, in exchange for reduced-cost fiber and Ethernet service; the amendment also provides for the authority to meter and pay for the equipment’s electricity. Melnet Services was identified as the lowest responsive bidder in an RFP for fire-extinguisher inspection and related services, with a five-year agreement estimated at $13,630 from the Buildings and Grounds operating budget. Another draft resolution would authorize a $147,200 amendment with Barton & Loguidice for engineering, final design, and bidding services for two culvert-replacement projects. The county also advanced a one-year, $128,000 reciprocal highway-maintenance agreement with NYSDOT, with each party contributing $64,000 in services and resources. Other contract items included a 2027–2029 radio microwave system agreement costing up to $31,352, funded through the SICG radio grant, and a five-year HVAC services agreement with Star Property Services LLC for 911 tower shelters; the transcript does not provide that agreement’s total cost. A separate $30,000 budget transfer was approved for inmate medical expenses related to traveling-nurse services.

The committees discussed long-range capital needs, without approving projects or appropriations: possible solid-waste facilities, covered salt storage and a southern highway satellite site, as well as a potential jail replacement estimated at $50–$75 million and hospital improvements. A proposed junkyard-law revision would consolidate licensing and inspections in the Building Codes Office, clarify commercial-use and screening requirements, and exempt qualifying hobby/derby-car storage; legislators were asked to provide feedback within 30 days, with no adoption vote reported. The county attorney also reported on the ongoing codification project with General Code LLC, including an annual e-code fee of $1,195; this was an update, not a new procurement action. A defensive-driving training MOU would have participating municipalities reimburse the county for direct training-related costs. No final full-board contract awards are shown in the transcript; the recorded committee actions primarily forwarded draft resolutions for further action.